By Lissy Maruthanakuzhy
Old Goa, Jan 9, 2025: Goa, a western Indian state with 1.5 million people, hosted more than 7 million who attended the 45-day exposition of the sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier.
At their service at the venue in Old Goa were more than 2000 volunteers of various age groups.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, archbishop of Goa and Daman, led the concluding ceremonial service on January 5 at Se Cathedral.
“Our journey of faith does not end here. We must continue this journey and keep this spirit alive in our life, in our families, in our communities, in our organizations, and in the diocese,” he told the gathering.
The concluding Mass was celebrated at the Bom Jesu Basilica complex after the sacred relics were returned to its regular place inside the basilica.
Present at the Mass were Auxiliary bishop Simiao Fernandes of Goa-Daman, Bishops Ignatius Loyola Mascarenhas of Shimla and Chandigarh, and Lumen Monteiro of Agartala, along with Bishop Emeritus Alex Dias of Port Blair.
Cardinal Ferrao, the main celebrant, exhorted the Catholics to abide by the duty and responsibility to bring ‘harmony and unity’ within families and society.”
“As followers of Jesus, it is our duty to become builders of unity in our homes and families, at our workplace and in our society,” he urged.
The cardinal said the Catholics are called to put out the flames of anger, to break down hate, and to spread understanding.
“Like the Jesuit saint, Christians are called to be pilgrims of hope, in a world filled with hate and destruction,” he said adding, “Pray and participate with the same fervor in the preparations for the feast of St Joseph Vaz, patron saint of the Archdiocese of Goa Daman.”
Father Henry Falcao, the convener of the exposition, said, “This beautiful journey of the Exposition comes to an end, but our human journey of faith does not end here. We begin the Jubilee journey now.”
The volunteers told Matters India that the event was a spiritual experience of a lifetime for them.
Doris, a 76-year-old retired banker, said she was proud to be part of the volunteers.
“This time, respecting my age, I was advised to give less service hours. However, travelling by bus and ferry from Divar island, I began my duty at 10 am and concluded at 7 pm each day. And I feel perfectly well after my 45-day service,” she said, bubbling with joy as she enjoyed ice-cream with her husband.
Another Volunteer Juliet Ferreira, also a banker, recalled how she had desired to be a part of the volunteers at the exposition.
“I approached Jesuit Fr Patricio Fernandes in May 2024 and informed him about my desire. He noted my name and details and called me when they were organizing the duties for volunteers. I treasure my experience of peace during my service,” the 65-year-old woman told Matters India.
Namisha Pinto, who was among the co-coordinators of the art exhibition “Footprints of Hope” during the exposition, found the experience rewarding as she could meet so many artists, interact with them and understand the inspirations behind their works.
“My faith too has evolved with this experience. It was an opportunity of a lifetime that was offered to me and I embraced it with my arms open wide,” Pinto added.